Defending champions Dempo Sports Club of Goa signalled a return to form as they cruised past Mohammedan Sporting 2-0 to register their first victory in the ONGC Cup 10th National Football League, in Kolkata on Friday.
Their lethal Brazilian striker Ranty Martins scored a first-half brace at the Salt Lake stadium to boost their points tally to six from as many matches.
Sporting suffered their second defeat. The Kolkata outfit, who surprised aficionados with a spirited display thus far, remain on ten points from six outings.
The Goans, languishing in second last place before the match, opened their account in the 24th minute following a defensive lapse.
Jules Alberto essayed a centre from the right into the box, and Mohammedan's Zimbabwean defender David Mkandawire chest-trapped the ball, but got entangled in a misunderstanding with Wajid Ali.
As the two rearguards looked at each other, Martins seized the opportunity and in a flash put the ball home with a snap volley, giving no chance to goalkeeper Gopal Das.
As Sporting looked desperately for the equaliser, Dempo consolidated their position in the 44th minute following a fast counter attack.
With almost the entire Sporting team in the Dempo half, Martins latched on to a long through from the midfield and from outside the box drove the ball home between two defenders even as Sporting custodian Das charged out to narrow the angle.